I recently returned from the 2011 South Dakota Reading Council State Conference which was held in Sioux Falls this year. I took the trip with three colleagues and fellow Reading Council officers. It was fantastic.
One of the highlights was meeting Chris Rumble. The first night there, I took part in a Murder Mystery (cool experience- my first time, but definitely not my last). It was called Murder in Margaritaland. The first time I met Chris, I simply knew him as Managing Mo (a manager for Sandy Beachbum, a surfer on the island). I was initially impressed by his infectious smile and his love of life.
Later I found out who he was- children’s book author, illustrator, musician, and speaker. Chris is the genuine article. I love his sense of humor and his positive, upbeat personality. He gave a wonderful presentation that included audience participation. It got both adults and kids fired up to read and write. Chris was also the keynote at the Student Award’s Ceremony.
Please check out his website at http://www.chrisrumble.com/index.htm. His video blogs are great. You’ll want to watch Episode 3: How to Wind Up Your Child’s Day with Joy and Happiness. This one had me wiping tears from my cheek at the conference. You can also hear some of his motivational songs (click Author Visits and check out the right hand sidebar). Chris has a true passion for children and spreading the love of literacy.
